The Demon and the Healer - Chapter 22- Past life?
[Charlotte’s POV:]
It has been two weeks since the four of us shifted to our new house and have been living like a family. Unexpectedly, no one from the royal palace or any official letter arrived signifying either Ray has been dealing with them without telling me or something has happened in the Capital.
I was doubting the first option to be weighing more toward the possibility.
The small house Ray created was now bigger since there was now a farm in the backyard and to nurture some animals, he built sheds as well. Water supply was never an issue nor was the requirement of heat since both of them could be handled by mana stones.
Lilli never seemed to be recalling that incident which was a blessing and Ellie was also able to remain silent on the matter. I did believe her maturity but to think that a ten-year-old would be able to not let out about such a traumatizing experience…as expected of the child of two warriors.
Ray was tutoring Ellie once in a while, and I must admit, with that pace, she would be able to excel in the Hero Academy where she would enroll in two years.
Ray has been moving a lot these days since back in the demon realm things were going haywire due to the absence of a Lord.
When I asked him whether he was the new King, he shook his head and said,
“I do possess the strength to become the monarch, but what I lack is motivation. That is why I have left one of my shadows to act as a ruler in my stead and I just assist him from time to time to keep things under control.”
I once asked him to summon one of his shadows which he always talks about…
…it was a mistake.
I have never felt such darkness and negativity before as much as I suffered in _that_ thing’s presence. It felt like just the mere sight of that creature was far worse than death. Even if it didn’t try to harm me nor hold any animosity, I was rendered from saying a single word before Ray called it back.
I didn’t ask Ray about the origin of his soldiers since I feared his answer. Somehow from that darkness, I was able to sense Ray all along yet the overwhelming negative energy made it entirely impossible to discern which part of Ray lies within the figure.
I still shiver remembering that faceless thing.
“You are thinking a lot today, woman.”
“Hmm? Do I?”
Currently, my hunting partner Ray and I were walking through the wood in order to find something to cook tonight. Ray told me to stay back but since it has been getting tiring to not do anything useful I decided to move my body a little.
I do not remember the last time when I was able to relax for this long. All my life, I have trained myself or have been engaged in battle so I could achieve my goal. Now that everything has been settled, this was feeling like I have walked into my retired life.
“Just thinking about the day we met. I still cannot believe that you let us go so easily that day.”
It has always been on my mind how such a powerful demon as Ray was so lenient on his duty. It was questionable as well, that despite having such beautiful demons all over the lands and a succubus in the demon army, Ray was actually e-entranced by me.
I initially believed that it was ephemeral and Ray would soon get bored of me. Also, the fact that I haven’t been allowing him to cross a certain line must have been annoying for someone who has won everything through his sheer might. Though Ray never tried to force anything, sometimes I feel bad for rejecting his advances.
However, he still has not given up and the consideration and care for me and those whom I hold dear to me, was still the same from his side, rather, I think, he has grown more human recently.
“Well, because as I told you, I never had any interest in what the previous lord desired. I was just waiting for a worthy opponent but found someone more interesting.”
Alright, he has leveled up his flirting skills.
I was facing forward and thanked the darkness which hid my heated ears. Ray is no longer the simple-minded young man rather he picks on these things and makes me embarrassed even more.
I don’t know who taught him this daring custom but regularly, the first bite of my dinner is fed by Ray.
That cheeky Ellie always smirks in my direction and shakes her head with a sigh like she’s some old auntie. Lilli also enjoys the daily show with starry eyes like we are some stage performers.
Really, how does Ray do so many embarrassing things with a straight face?
“And there was my previous life too…”
“Huh?”
My feet came to an abrupt halt when I heard Ray saying those words. He also paused his movements before looking in my direction with his brows rising.
“I never told you?”
“No, of course, you didn’t. And in the first place, is it common for demons to remember their previous life?”
I have never heard of someone retaining their past life memories. Sure there were some flashes or sometimes dreams which made people realize that something like reincarnation was under the category of possibility, but there was no evident proof if someone remembered their last life.
“Hmmm? Strange. Well, it’s not that interesting-”
“I want to hear it! Ah, of course, if you trust me enough.”
I quickly added that this was not some matter to casually chat about.
Ray didn’t contemplate nor did he show any kind of having double thoughts, indicating that he has faith in me.
I was excitedly waiting for his words but the first phrase he added to his story blew my mind.
“I actually was not a part of this world in my previous life…”
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A/N: – Drop a comment~